Understanding the Terms "Latino" and "Hispanic"

Overview

• Latino and Hispanic are often used interchangeably but have different meanings.
• There is overlap: many Latino people are Hispanic and vice versa, but not always.

Origins and Definitions

Hispanic

• Origin: Comes from Latin word hispanicus relating to Hispania (modern-day Spain).
• Meaning: Relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries.
• Inclusion: Spain, most of Latin America (excluding Brazil), but not Portugal or Brazil.
• Exclusion Example: Equatorial Guinea in Africa, despite being Spanish-speaking, is generally not considered Hispanic due to cultural differences.

Latino

• Meaning: Refers to individuals from Latin America.
• Inclusion: Brazil is considered Latino, but Spain is not.
• Derived From: Spanish word Latinoamericano meaning Latin American.
• Geographical Boundaries: Generally includes Spanish and Portuguese-speaking parts of the Americas.
  • Excludes: English-speaking Belize, Guyana, and Suriname.
  • Includes: Spanish-speaking countries, Brazil, and often French-speaking areas like Haiti and French Guiana.

Cultural and Geographical Nuances

• Latin America vs. French-speaking Areas: French influence often overlooked; definitions vary.
• Quebec, Canada: Speaks French, but generally excluded from Latin America due to cultural/geographical differences.
• Indigenous Influence: Many Latin Americans are of mixed European and indigenous descent (Mestizo).
  • Example: Paraguay – Guarani language is more dominant than Spanish.

Usage in the United States

• Regional Preferences: "Latino" is more used in Western U.S., "Hispanic" in the Eastern U.S.
• U.S. Census Definitions: Includes both terms due to regional use, originally only referred to Spanish-speaking backgrounds.

Conclusion

• Self-Identification: Ethnic identity is about how individuals self-identify.
• Pew Research Quote: "Who's Hispanic? Anyone who says they are and nobody who says they aren't."